A Day's Getaway

On Thursday, September 3rd, Steve and I decided to get away from Whidbey and go and see some of the countryside. Our morning started at 9:30am as we headed over to the Key Stone Ferry to catch a ride to Port Townsend. After we arrived on the other side, our first stop was a military surplus store (Steve is looking for a green ammo box). Our next destination was the Chimacum Cafe, which we were told, was a must stop. And believe me, in Steve's mind, lunch is a must.

After we filled up on some awesome chow, we got back in the car and headed for Poulsbo. If you have never been to Poulsbo, you must make time and go. The downtown area was so cute. The Norwegians settled the area and the town has kept to that theme. Sidewalks were lined with seating that had memorial plates on them and some portions of the walkway had stones with messages on them in honor of a special person or occasion. The weather was in the upper 70's and there was a warm light breeze coming off the water; the harbor was a delight to look at too. We visited many of the shops found along the way and then topped the day with an ice cream cone.


Our next destination was Port Orchard. Our goal was to stop in and surprise some friends of ours that we had met in Schaumburg, IL back in the early 90's. We found our way to their house in no time and surprised them. We just missed John and his eldest son, but we were able to visit with Kitty and her other four boys. We had such a wonderful time and hope to get up with them again before the year ends.

The drive along the way was absolutely beautiful. Steve and I are looking forward to going back and checking out the Rain Forest, Dungeness Spit and the Sea Stacks. I am hoping it will be real soon.

Dog-on-Duty

On Steve's birthday he received a present from the Sargent family. In the bag was an outfit for Levi (among other things). It is tradition in the Sargent household for Lucille, their black Cocker Spaniel, to receive a gift on their birthday. So, a new tradition has been adopted in the Vaughn household and one I think Levi will appreciate. How could he not? He'll get two extra presents a year just for being part of the family.

Levi received this lovely cotton jersey that has a big red cross on the back and says, "Dog-on-Duty".
Isn't he just so cute....
Thanks Auntie Vicki, I just love my new outfit! ~Levi Vaughn

GOTCHA! Happy Birthday Steve!

The morning started out just fine. Steve left for a tutoring appointment and I got busy putting together his gift, cards and cake.

Yesterday, while I was out, I looked for a small round cake at Safeway. I could not find one, so I opted for a one-serving size round cheesecake. It wasn't your average cheesecake, it was better (yummy, I got a bite or two)! The candles were as big as the cake and the longer it took Steve to get home the more the "4" wanted to slide off.

Once Steve got home, I lit the candles, and then sang Happy Birthday to him. After Steve sampled his birthday cake, he opened up his cards and gift. The cards were cute; especially, the trick card sent from my sister.

This year, I wanted to do something special for Steve on his 45th birthday. For years he has told me he wanted to fly. In the past I have just brushed it off, but after our last conversation, I was surprised to find out that during his time in the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) he had actual flown a 1932 Piper under the direct supervision of Hermann Skok. Wow, I thought to myself.....he does know what he is talking about. His passion was real because he had lived it!

So, I did a google search which led me to PilotJourney.com. This website is awesome and it was there that I was able to purchase a 40 minute orientation flight at Boeing Field. I think he is really pumped up.

The day ended with a trip over to the Jumbo Buffet where a few couples (plus dad) were waiting to surprise him. Everything was going well until we got out of the truck. Steve can be most observant when you don't want him to be. He stops, looks at me and says, "I'm not going in. This is a set up". He had noticed to many automobiles in the parking lot.

It didn't take him long to decide he wasn't going to miss dinner, so inside he went. The gang that was present broke into song, singing "Happy Birthday". I think Steve was slightly embarrassed. So he disguised himself appropriately (a Groucho Marx's he is not).

All in all, I think he had a great time. He was definitely unaware of the plot and really appreciated all that was done to celebrate his 45 years of life. (The only other thing he has to see is his picture in the paper and that will happen tomorrow.) Yes, I'd do it all again, just because he is worth it! I love you honey, Happy Birthday!

Slide show is up if you want to see a few more pictures.

Steve...is turning 45!

Yes, it is true...Steve is turning 45 years old tomorrow. The day will mostly be quiet as we come to terms with the fact that he is 45 years young. A small birthday gift will be given, cards from family will be opened and then we plan on ending the day eating at the Jumbo Buffet.